Minnesota U.S. Sen. Tina Smith staves off Jason Lewis, wins second term

Appointed nearly three years ago as Al Franken’s successor in the U.S. Senate, Smith won her first full term from voters. 

Democratic U.S. Sen. Tina Smith held off former Republican congressman Jason Lewis on Tuesday in a Senate race that could help decide the balance of power in Washington.

Smith sought a full six-year term after being appointed to replace Al Franken, who resigned in 2017. A former Planned Parenthood executive and lieutenant governor, she won a special election in 2018 to serve out Franken’s term.

Smith vowed to overcome the divisions of the hard fought campaign. “We may not always agree, but I will always listen, and look for common ground,” she said in a statement. Continue reading.